July 31st, 2013 by WCBC Radio
Deputy State Fire Marshals have concluded their investigation into the July 22, 2013 house fire at 19821 Big Lane Avenue in Midland, Maryland.
Investigators revealed the occupant, 24 year-old Denzil F. Halbritter, Jr., intentionally set the fire inside the home. An Office of the State Fire Marshal K-9 Accelerant Team located multiple areas inside the home where a liquid accelerant was poured and subsequently ignited by Halbritter.
On the morning of the fire, he was found unconscious on the kitchen floor by first responders and quickly transported to the Western Maryland Regional Medical Center in critical condition from smoke inhalation injuries. Approximately 60 firefighters from Allegany County and West Virginia Volunteer Fire Departments controlled the 1:20 a.m. blaze within 20 minutes. Damage estimates from the fire was $50,000.
Halbritter was arrested upon his release from the Western Maryland Regional Medical Center today without incident. He has been charged with 1st Degree Arson, 1st Degree Malicious Burning and (3) counts of Reckless Endangerment and transported to the Allegany County Detention Center where he remains on a $150,000 bond.
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